Lewis & Clark Explorer: Scappoose

…Continued from Linnton.

Scappoose is the first major city along the route. According to the 2000 census, Scappoose has a population of 4,976 people. Scappoose takes its name from a Native American word meaning "gravelly plain." Scappoose was first settled in 1842. The town was incorporated in 1921, though by that time such amenities as a school, post office and railroad depot had been in place for decades.

The Lewis & Clark Explorer passing the Peace Candle of the World in Scappoose, Oregon on October 1, 2005.

I waited for the train at the south end of town, because I wanted to photograph it passing the Peace Candle of the World. This giant candle was dedicated by Oregon Governor Tom McCall on May 9, 1971. The candle is 50 feet tall, 18 feet in diameter and contains 45,000 pounds of wax. An electric neon light at the top simulates a flickering flame. The barn and buildings adjacent to the candle once contained a candle factory and gift shop. I'm not sure which came first, the giant candle or the candle factory, but I do remember that the candle was sort of an advertisement for the factory. The candle used to be yellow, but was painted red after the candle factory closed.

The Lewis & Clark Explorer passing the Peace Candle of the World in Scappoose, Oregon on October 1, 2005.

Continue to St. Helens…